Here Are 5 Ways to Make the Retro Style Feel Fresh

Interior design in the ’70s certainly had its quirks. It was a decade defined by wall-to-wall shag carpeting, funky technicolor furniture, and knickknacks galore, but 1970s interior design also encompassed many timeless elements that are once again resurfacing in homes today. Current decor trends like rattan furniture and earthy color schemes stem from the retro style and are now emerging from the past in modern ways.

“A lot of the trends we’ve seen this past year are rooted in nostalgia because it’s comforting during these unprecedented times,” says Tiffany Olson, trend expert for the online resale marketplace Mercari. “1970s trends in particular feature cozy and warm elements that people want to bring into their homes.”

Over the past year, Mercari has seen huge spikes in demand for many quintessential elements of ’70s design. Searches for rattan and wicker on the site have nearly tripled, while decor featuring macramé, crochet, and fringe details has also surged, Olson says.

Fifty years ago, these items might have been layered amid wood-paneled walls and psychedelic floral patterns, but today’s adaptations of ’70s design are more subtle. Use these expert tips to introduce a retro touch to a modern home.

1. Bring in wicker or rattan furniture.

Rattan furniture, a weaving technique dating back to ancient times, became very popular in the 1960s and ’70s. Today, its lightweight and relaxed look is still favored, with rattan and wicker pieces once again in demand. “They are the perfect materials to bring a little texture, depth, and fun into the crispness that has permeated new homes and construction for the past few years,” says Los Angeles interior designer Stefani Stein. These pieces are versatile and can easily be incorporated into various decorating styles, offering a mix that feels both modern and nostalgic. Consider adding rattan or wicker through standout accent furniture like a vintage peacock chair or a hanging egg chair, both popular in the ’70s.

2. Layer on texture.

Texture is crucial for creating a retro vibe. Layering tactile materials like macramé, shag carpeting, and bouclé fabric adds casual comfort to ’70s style. You can easily incorporate these textures with contemporary furnishings. The aim is to “add a bit of retro whimsy to a space while maintaining that much-needed air of sophistication,” says Lance Thomas of Lousiana-based Thomas Guy Interiors. Consider placing a shaggy area rug in front of a sleek midcentury sofa or adding throw pillows with fringe accents. A macramé wall hanging is also a subtle way to introduce texture.

3. Incorporate warm colors.

Colors like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and vivid citrine were staples in ’70s homes. To update this palette, lean towards earth tones instead of the bright, bold hues of the past. Consider shades like ripe avocado green over emerald, or terra-cotta red instead of jewel-tone ruby. Mix muted colors with warm neutrals for a ’70s-inspired color scheme that still feels fresh.

4. Swap in retro lighting.

Swapping modern fixtures for ’70s-inspired lighting is an easy way to hint at the style without overwhelming your room. Look for fixtures with glossy finishes or bold geometric shapes, like the domed shades of mushroom lamps. Lighting that contrasts with your current decor can be especially striking. “I love adding a pair of Italian ’70s pendants to a traditional kitchen,” Thomas says.

5. Mix and match styles.

Mix ’70s design trends with other styles to create a personalized look. Start with small accents that are easy to change. “For example, incorporating rattan lampshades or a macrame wall hanging will make an otherwise contemporary space feel modern and bohemian, instead of feeling like a 1970s time capsule,” Olson says.